The academy says it honours Foster’s philanthropic support of hundreds of charities, including the David Foster Foundation which provides financial help to Canadian families in need of life-saving transplants.

In a release, Foster says it is a “great honour” to receive the award, explaining that he created his foundation in 1986 after meeting a young girl from his hometown who was awaiting a liver transplant.

Foster says music has brought him many rewards “and what better way to pay tribute to those gifts than to pay it forward.”

The award is handed out every year and will be presented to Foster at the 48th Juno Awards on March 16 in London, Ont.